Oklahoma Paramedic Loses Baby after Patient Assault

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — An Oklahoma City man has been arrested, accused of killing an unborn child after assaulting a paramedic.

Authorities said 30-year-old Joanna Hickerson, a paramedic, responded to a call for a man needing medical attention last Friday.

Officials said the patient, 58-year-old Ronald Heatly, was taken to the back of the ambulance when he kicked Hickerson in the stomach.

Hickerson was 17 weeks pregnant at the time.

She was taken to the hospital for treatment where she later miscarried the baby.

The medical examiner ruled the miscarriage happened because of the assault and ruled it a homicide.

Heatly was arrested for assault and battery on a medical care provider and may now face homicide charges.

It is now up to the D.A. to determine what charges, if any, will be filled.